essay on new technology for greener shipping

New Technologies for Greener Shipping

6 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2023

Ayotomiwa Elesho

University of Ibadan, Department of Political Science

Date Written: September 15, 2022

This essay discusses the nascent technologies utilized for green shipping, and also proposes recommendations for cleaner maritime transportation. It won the third runner-up prize in the 2022 NIMASA World Maritime Day Essay Contest.

Keywords: Green Shipping, Maritime Industry, Ballast water

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Ayotomiwa Elesho (Contact Author)

University of ibadan, department of political science ( email ), do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on ssrn, paper statistics, related ejournals, environmental anthropology ejournal.

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• World Maritime theme 2022: New technologies for greener shipping
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'New technologies for greener shipping' has been chosen as the World Maritime theme for 2022, reflecting the need to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future, while leaving no one behind.

This theme provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of a sustainable maritime sector and the need to build back better and greener in a post pandemic world.

'New technologies for greener shipping' has been chosen as the World Maritime theme for 2022, reflecting the need to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future, while leaving no one behind.

The IMO Council, meeting for its 125th session (28 June-2 July), endorsed the theme following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

Mr. Lim said the theme would provide an opportunity to focus on the importance of a sustainable maritime sector and the need to build back better and greener in a post pandemic world.

"IMO actively supports a greener transition of the shipping sector into a sustainable future, and showcases maritime innovation, research and development, and the demonstration and deployment of new technologies," Mr. Lim said.

"In order to achieve these objectives, partnerships are key, as they allow all parties involved to share and distribute information on best practices and to access resources and general know-how in support of the transition of the maritime sector into a greener and more sustainable future. This theme will allow for a coordinated outreach and communications campaign by all stakeholders to highlight IMO initiatives to make shipping greener", Mr. Lim said.

The theme will allow for a range of activities to delve into specific topics related to promotion of inclusive innovation and uptake of new technologies to support the needs for a greener transition of the maritime sector, especially in the context of developing countries, and in particular the small island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).

The theme is linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 13 and 14 on climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources; SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; and SDG 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals.

IMO's Department of Partnerships and Projects (DPP) was established in 2020 to serve as the gateway for developing partnership opportunities with a wide range of external partners, including IMO Member States, UN agencies, financial institutions, NGOs, IGOs and the private sector.

Decarbonization, marine plastic litter and biofouling are among the topic areas already being addressed by the major projects of IMO, including GMN , GloFouling Partnerships, GreenVoyage2050 and GloLitter Partnerships . All of these projects aim to support and promote innovation and green technologies.

World Maritime Day Parallel Events

In view of the current restrictions and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council agreed that the planned 2021 World Maritime Day Parallel Event be postponed to 2022 and that all future events be also postponed by one more year. As a result of this decision, the World Maritime Day Parallel Event would be celebrated in South Africa in 2022; the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2023; the Russian Federation in 2024; and the United Arab Emirates in 2025.

For previous World Maritime Day Parallel Events, please visit: https://www.imo.org/en/About/Events/Pages/WMDParallelEvents.aspx

Celebration of 2021 World Maritime Day

The 2021 World Maritime Day will be celebrated on 30 September 2021. Details will follow in due course, please read more on the 2021 theme here:  https://www.imo.org/en/About/Events/Pages/World-Maritime-Theme-2021.aspx

How Technology can Revolutionise Global Shipping

The global shipping industry is responsible for 3% of all emissions, an amount comparable to that of Germany. As the world commits to decarbonisation , the industry faces a significant challenge.

Without action, shipping's share of emissions could rise to 11% by 2050, with disastrous consequences for the environment and the world's oceans.

While greener shipping practices are essential, technology offers an additional solution. By embracing new technologies, the shipping sector can avoid stranded assets, reduce downtime and minimise lost revenue.

These innovations can also help the industry address pressing sustainability concerns and contribute to improved global trade operations.

The role of technology in shipping

Addressing issues such as emissions and pollutants is paramount to the future of the shipping industry. In order to succeed, sustainability must be considered in tandem with protecting the world trade industry.

Cathy Stephenson, MD at Wärtsilä Water & Waste, adds: “Shipowners and operators should look to their suppliers for a clear attention to detail, a knowledge of the wider ecosystem and context in which a vessel operates and for technology providers that have the time and resources to properly understand all of the technical idiosyncrasies of a given ship.” 

This detailed understanding is key to ensuring sustainable solutions are effective.

Digital technology is already delivering wide-ranging benefits to the maritime sector. These include increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced safety and improved environmental performance.

One area of particular promise is advanced analytics, which can process large quantities of data to optimise routes, boost fuel efficiency and predict maintenance needs. By using data to chart the most efficient routes, shipping companies can reduce their environmental impact and improve operational performance.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another game changer for shipping. Through IoT-enabled sensors, companies can monitor cargo conditions, such as temperature and humidity, in real time.

This ensures that perishable goods are kept in optimal conditions, reducing spoilage and waste. Such technologies are particularly valuable in an industry that relies on precise coordination and timely deliveries.

Other innovations contributing to greener shipping include:

• Alternative fuels such as LNG and hydrogen
• Solar and wind power systems for auxiliary energy
• Ballast water treatment systems that protect marine ecosystems
• Hull designs that reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency
• Predictive maintenance systems powered by AI to prevent equipment failures

These solutions not only reduce emissions but also extend the lifespan of ships and equipment, lower operational costs and minimise downtime.

Improving sustainability and regulatory compliance

Technology is also proving instrumental in helping shipping companies navigate the complex web of international regulations.

With a growing number of environmental and safety regulations, companies need to ensure compliance to remain competitive. Automated systems can track and monitor a ship’s adherence to these regulations, ensuring that it meets both environmental standards and trade laws.

This is particularly important in a global industry where regulations can vary from one region to another.

Speaking to Technology Magazine in 2023, Maynard Williams, Managing Director, UK at Accenture, said: “We’ve seen significant growth in demand for the cloud as businesses continue to evaluate every part of their business, considering opportunities for transformation by technology, data and AI.”

Cloud-based systems allow shipping companies to streamline their operations by improving data access and collaboration across the globe. This enhanced connectivity also enables more accurate forecasting and decision-making, both of which are crucial in an industry that depends on tight margins and efficient scheduling.

The use of AI is equally transformative. Predictive analytics powered by AI allows companies to foresee maintenance issues before they become critical, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns. This contributes to a more efficient and sustainable shipping operation.

The future of shipping

Embracing technological advancements is key to the shipping industry’s future. By adopting these solutions, shipowners can prioritise sustainability and economic success simultaneously.

The widespread adoption of new technologies could drive significant positive changes in global shipping, leading to enhanced environmental protections, improved safety and increased economic growth.

Technology also helps reduce waste, both in manufacturing and daily operations. Smart technologies enable businesses to automate processes, monitor energy consumption and reduce the use of non-renewable resources.

This can have a broad impact, helping not only the shipping sector but the wider supply chain.

In the long run, technology will allow the shipping industry to move towards a more sustainable model while maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

The industry’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in meeting the environmental and economic challenges of the future. Through the use of digital tools, alternative fuels and advanced analytics, shipping can continue to grow while reducing its environmental footprint.

By integrating these technologies, the shipping sector will not only meet sustainability targets but also contribute to global trade and economic stability.

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Green-tech in Shipping Industry

What are the latest green technologies that can best contribute to imo compliance what fuel to use and how to achieve the most efficient economic and environmental results, regulatory for green technologies in the marine industry.

• One part of the representatives of the shipping industry will train their vessels with special Exhaust gas purifiers — scrubbers with which the former high-sulfur fuel can be used but comply with the standards for the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases. It is predicted that by the end of 2020 about 3.000 vessels around the world will be equipped with scrubbers and about 1.000 more scrubbers will appear by the beginning of 2021. In total, the world commercial fleet consists of more than 94.000 vessels, including 51.000 units — displacement over 1 thousand tons.
• The second part and this is the majority of shipowners, goes to the application of new special fuel, very low sulfur fuel oil, or VLSFO (very low sulfur fuel oil). Sulfur content is 0.5% or 7 times lower than in sulfur fuel oil (high sulfur fuel oil, HSFO), which is more IMO compliant.

Cleaner trends in maritime and Greener Ships

Green technologies for shipping, innovative technologies in shipping.

• DOI: 10.4018/jgim.349929
• Corpus ID: 271556462

Digital Green Shipping Innovation

• Yuemei Xue , Kee-hung Lai
• Published in Journal of Global Information… 29 July 2024
• Environmental Science, Business, Engineering, Computer Science

79 References

Digital adoption and efficiency in the maritime industry, towards shipping 4.0. a preliminary gap analysis, green shipping practices in the shipping industry : conceptualization, adoption, and implications, green supply chain management strategy and financial performance in the shipping industry, how emerging digital technologies affect operations management through co-creation. empirical evidence from the maritime industry, innovation in product and services in the shipping retrofit industry: a case study of ballast water treatment systems, the adoption of digital technologies in supply chains: drivers, process and impact, the digitalisation in chartering business: special reference to the role of e-bill of lading in the bulk and liner markets, a contingency view of the effects of sustainable shipping exploitation and exploration on business performance, transformative sustainable business models in the light of the digital imperative—a global business economics perspective, related papers.

Showing 1 through 3 of 0 Related Papers

How Technology Could Benefit the Global Shipping Industry

The shipping industry is currently responsible for 3% of global emissions - an amount that is an equivalent to the country of Germany.

As the world continues to commit to decarbonisation, the shipping industry risks falling behind if serious sustainability issues are not addressed. If not confronted soon, the impact of shipping will nearly quadruple to 11% of all global emissions by 2050. This would inevitably contribute to greater impact on the environment and the world’s oceans.

Whilst greener shipping strategies are needed throughout the industry, technology offers another solution. To confront these challenges, technology can be harnessed to avoid stranded assets, downtime and lost earnings. Likewise, innovative solutions could contribute to improving overall sustainability.

How technology is used in shipping

Addressing issues such as emissions and pollutants is paramount to the future of the shipping industry . In order to succeed, sustainability must be considered in tandem with protecting the world trade industry.

“Shipowners and operators should look to their suppliers for a clear attention to detail, a knowledge of the wider ecosystem and context in which a vessel operates, and for technology providers that have the time and resources to properly understand all of the technical idiosyncrasies of a given ship,” Cathy Stephenson, MD at Wärtsilä Water & Waste tells Ship Technology.

Digital technologies have a wide range of benefits for the maritime industry, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced safety and better sustainability. For instance, advanced analytics tools are able to process large quantities of data to optimise routes, improve fuel efficiency and predict maintenance requirements.

Those within the shipping sector are able to use data to determine more efficient routes, which helps them to reduce overall environmental impact.

Likewise, newer and disruptive technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) enables real-time monitoring of cargo conditions and environmental factors. Sensors within containers can operate to track temperature and humidity, ensuring overall quality and waste reduction.

• Alternative fuels (LNG and hydrogen)
• Solar and wind power systems
• Ballast water treatment systems
• Hull designs that reduce drag
• Predictive maintenance
• AI algorithms that predict equipment failures

These approaches prevent expensive breakdowns, minimise downtime and extend the lifespan of both vessels and equipment. It can also help to improve overall communication in the shipping industry by using industry-specific software applications. 

How technology can improve sustainability

Technology works to help shipping companies navigate complex international regulations more effectively. For instance, automated systems can help ensure that companies can comply with environmental regulations, safety standards and trade laws.

In particular, AI and the cloud are being positioned as forward-thinking for a broad range of key industries like shipping.

“We’ve seen significant growth in demand for the cloud as businesses continue to evaluate every part of their business, considering opportunities for transformation by technology, data and AI,” Maynard Williams, Managing Director, UK at Accenture, told us in 2023.

As the industry continues to evolve, embracing technological advancements is becoming more essential. Not only will it help ensure greater sustainability moving forward, but will also enable organisations to remain competitive whilst contributing to the wider global trade sector.

By building these assurances with technology, shipowners can prioritise sustainability and commercial success simultaneously. It can drive positive changes in the global shipping industry and improve environmental protections, safety enhancements and contribute further to economic growth.

More broadly, technology can help reduce waste through improved manufacturing and design. Smart technology is beneficial for businesses to reduce overall consumption of non-renewable resources by automating processes and monitoring other services.

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Ships transported over 80 percent of world trade in 2021, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, but the voyages are a serious source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Green shipping picks up speed

An international treaty aims to bring the shipping industry to net-zero emissions by around 2050. Can novel fuels, wind power and coordination on a global scale get it there?

By Elise Hansen 11.20.2023

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In August, a cargo ship known as the Pyxis Ocean set sail — literally. The ship, about 750 feet long, had been outfitted with a pair of “sails” made of steel and fiber-reinforced plastic to harness wind power on the long voyage from Shanghai to Paranaguá, Brazil.

The Pyxis Ocean still uses its traditional engine but, along with careful routing decisions, its new sails will help to cut the amount of fuel burned on international voyages, says Simon Schofield, chief technology officer at BAR Technologies, the UK-based company that designed the sails.

“We are harnessing the same elements as we did hundreds of years ago, we’re just doing it in a more efficient way,” Schofield says.

Schofield, a veteran engineer of elite yacht-racing competitions, helped to found BAR Technologies in 2016, in the hopes that insights from shipping’s sexier cousin could be among the tools that help marine industries modernize to address climate change .

Shipping is a serious source of greenhouse gas emissions. Together, fishing and international and domestic shipping created over 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, which is close to 3 percent of all human-driven emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency that oversees the safety and security of the shipping industry.

Yet the voyages are the lifeblood of global trade: The UN Conference on Trade and Development estimated that in 2021, ships transported about 11 billion tons of goods, representing over 80 percent of world trade. The Pyxis Ocean, as one example, was chartered for its sail-assisted voyage by the US agricultural giant Cargill; upon arriving in Brazil, the cargo ship picked up about 63,000 metric tons of soybean meal to transport to Poland.

If the industry doesn’t change, emission numbers from shipping are likely to increase, says Benjamin Halpern, a marine ecologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “All of the economic forecasts for global trade say that trade will continue to be more and more global,” he says. “There’s just more people buying more goods every year.”

The Pyxis Ocean voyaged to Brazil fitted with “sails” designed by BAR Technologies to help the ship harness wind power.

CREDIT: CARGILL

The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, has projected that shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 could reach up to 130 percent of their 2008 levels. Shipping could also start to affect new regions of the globe as the Arctic warms and sea ice retreats, potentially opening up new shipping lanes, says Casey O’Hara, a conservation data scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

“The status quo is not business as usual; it is going to be on an upward trend and potentially have impacts in some of the more untouched places in the world,” he says.

While shipping is only a small part of the whole picture affecting the world’s oceans, reducing just some of the pressures on marine life can help ecosystems be more resilient to other stressors, such as noise pollution, fishing and coastal development, adds O’Hara, who with Halpern authored a 2022 overview of the compounding pressures on marine systems in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources .

A 2020 greenhouse-gas study by the International Maritime Organization includes the shipping industry’s projected emissions through 2050. The analysis considers three economic and fuel scenarios under two mathematical models: a logistic analysis and a gravity-model analysis.

With all this at stake, the IMO’s 175 member states recently voted unanimously to adopt a more ambitious set of climate goals. These new goals, agreed upon in July 2023, would see countries strive for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by “close to” 2050. Countries committed to trying to cut international shipping’s annual emissions by at least 20 percent, compared to their 2008 levels, by 2030, and by at least 70 percent by 2040. Remaining emissions could be “balanced out” with carbon removal or carbon sequestration projects, to complete the goal of net zero.

That’s “light-years” ahead of the IMO’s previous, 2018 strategy, which aimed for only a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, says Delaine McCullough, shipping emissions policy manager at the environmental advocacy group Ocean Conservancy. But, she adds, even this latest strategy could require larger emission cuts sooner, to guard against even temporarily overshooting key global warming benchmarks.

How can shipping reach the IMO’s new targets? In the short run, a handful of technical and operational changes could make a big difference in cutting emissions, McCullough says. In June 2023, the research organization CE Delft, which focuses on sustainable energy and transportation , published a study suggesting that a combination of measures could, under certain conditions, cut emissions by 28 percent to 47 percent. These would include slowing ships down so they would burn less fuel, adding wind power, and mixing in a small percentage of alternative fuels.

But achieving the industry’s loftiest goals will probably require a much bigger overhaul.

At a July 2023 meeting of the International Maritime Organization, member states voted unanimously to adopt more ambitious climate goals for the international shipping industry.

CREDIT: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION / FLICKR

One of the main changes will likely be widespread adoption of greener fuels, says Pernille Dahlgaard, chief officer of government, business and analytics at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, a research organization that works with the marine and energy industries. Many ships currently run on heavy fuel oil, a fossil fuel that is relatively inexpensive and widely available for refueling stops at ports.

The two main alternative contenders so far are green methanol and e-ammonia, but neither fuel is ready for mass adoption yet, says Dahlgaard. Green methanol is difficult to procure in the quantities needed, and e-ammonia presents safety risks, she adds. Both options are more expensive than traditional fuel.

The uncertainty around the fuel — or fuels — of the future is extra challenging in the shipping industry, because ships typically have a roughly 25-year lifespan, says Dahlgaard. “The vessels that come on water now, they will still be sailing in 2050,” she says. “So when you’re ordering a vessel today, you need to think about … your strategy for actually living up to that net zero in 2050.”

On top of that, alternative fuels need to be available when compatible ships arrive. That requires technological investment in ships to synchronize with fuel development, as well as investments in ground transportation, infrastructure and port operations, says Jesse Fahnestock, decarbonization project director of the Global Maritime Forum, an international nonprofit.

Fahnestock advocates for the creation of “green shipping corridors”: shipping lanes that support vessels that use alternative fuels. The corridors would require collaboration among a wide array of players, including ports, governments, fuel providers and ship owners. In that sense, the effort is much like a testing ground for a future global transformation of the industry.

“Decarbonizing everything at once is a huge challenge,” Fahnestock says. Green corridors could provide a way to “shrink that challenge down to size but still pursue it at a meaningful commercial, industrial scale,” he says.

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But whether it’s snazzy technologies or alternative fuels or green corridors, shipping decarbonization won’t happen by the initiative of the private sector alone, most experts argue. It’s a “trillion-dollar investment,” as Dahlgaard puts it. National governments will likely need to craft new regulations as well as economic policies such as an emissions trading scheme or a carbon tax, says McCullough.

“If we can get two really solid, technical and market measures together, those can be really powerful in driving the industry,” she says.

The challenges are daunting, but for Fahnestock, the latest IMO strategy will at least help to chart the course.

“There’s a long-term strategy now,” he says. “Now we know that the journey to zero is going to go all the way to zero.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated on November 21, 2023, to correct the number of member states of the International Maritime Organization. There are 175 member states, not 187.

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The Evolution of Green Shipping Practices Adoption in the International Maritime Industry

• August 2021
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Shipping Contributes Heavily to Climate Change. Are Green Ships the Solution?

The container shipping lines that carry the bulk of global trade are betting on greener technologies, but there are still reasons those wagers could fail.

Maersk, the global shipping company, has begun introducing the first ships powered by green methanol. Credit... Betina Garcia for The New York Times

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By Ana Swanson

Ana Swanson covers international trade and reported from Copenhagen and Washington.

• Oct. 30, 2023

On a bright September day on the harbor in Copenhagen, several hundred people gathered to welcome the official arrival of Laura Maersk.

Laura was not a visiting European dignitary like many of those in attendance. She was a hulking containership, towering a hundred feet above the crowd, and the most visible evidence to date of an effort by the global shipping industry to mitigate its role in the planet’s warming.

The ship, commissioned by the Danish shipping giant Maersk, was designed with a special engine that can burn two types of fuel — either the black, sticky oil that has powered ships for more than a century, or a greener type made from methanol. By switching to green methanol, this single ship will produce 100 fewer tons of greenhouse gas per day, an amount equivalent to the emissions of 8,000 cars.

The effect of global shipping on the climate is hard to overstate. Cargo shipping is responsible for nearly 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions — producing roughly as much carbon each year as the aviation industry does.

Figuring out how to limit those emissions has been tricky. Some ships are turning to an age-old strategy: harnessing the wind to move them. But ships still need a more constant source of energy that is powerful enough to propel them halfway around the world in a single go.

Unlike cars and trucks, ships can’t plug in frequently enough to be powered by batteries and the electrical grid: They need a clean fuel that is portable.

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New Technologies for Greener Shipping

2023, The Maritime Journal

The planet Earth has never been in greater danger than it is now. Technology came with countless advantages; however, it also came with many negative effects, among which the environment is included. The continuous emission of carbon is at an all-time high while the blue ocean is turning black from oil pollution. The adverse effects of the release of greenhouse gases are the depletion of the ozone layer and the leakage of dangerous chemicals on board a ship. This does not only lead to the colouration of water but also portends hazards for the aquatic ecosystem, which forms a large chunk of human consumption and income, and thus, if not properly managed, makes the planet unsafe for all and sundry. Humans cannot shy away from this reality but rather find lasting measures through the use of new technologies to control and migrate to greener shipping. The concept of greener shipping is not an unachievable facade; rather, if there is a need for adoption, then the time is now!

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Man live in two worlds, the biosphere and the techno sphere world over the years, time needs, growth, speed, and knowledge and competition have created demand that necessitated man to build complex institution. Ship design is not left out in this process. Inland water, are under treat from untreated waste that can feed bacteria and algae, which in turn exhaust the oxygen. The ocean cover 70% of the globe, many think that everything that run into it is infinite, the ocean is providing the source of freshening winds and current that are far more vulnerable to polluting activities that have run off into them too many poisons, that the ocean may cease to serve more purpose if care is not taking to prevent pollution. This issue of environment becomes so sensitive in recently and most are linked to infrastructure development work. Most especially in maritime industry polluting activities from oil bilge to ballast pumping that has turned into poison has advert effect on water resources. So...

George Malindretos

The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within the entirely new, unprecedented, irreversible and ever changing global economic, social, cultural and physical today environment. Motivated by the economic slowdown, increasing fuel prices and global warming, it has been maintained that the "green economy" investments can be the key to business sustainability. Taking into account that freight maritime transport represents by far the most popular sector in international commerce and transport, an important research topic is the possible contribution of green shipping solutions in the targets and prospects of sustainability. In such a context, this paper is engaged with the potential strengthening of modern shipping, in terms of differentiation through design and introduction of an innovative alternative of renewable types of energy. Innovative green ships from all over the world are presented and a twofold survey is conducted. The first concerns shipping companies and the second the users of shipping services, towards identifying the progress that has been made and the consequent enhancement of the competitive position and sustainability of the shipping companies that will show the required vision and discipline to value creation and Sustainable Supply Cain Management (SSCM). In retrospect, this paper aims at the provision of useful insights for modern sustainable shipping technology at global market level. In view of the undergoing dynamic changes in this field, this work is to be considered as a progress report of continuing research, so that constructive discussion and exchange of views can contribute to improve sustainability performance in the maritime transport sector.

Michael Traut

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How to deploy electric ships for green shipping.

1. Introduction

2. literature review, 3. problem formulation, 3.1. problem description, 3.2. summary of assumptions, 3.3. model formulation, 4. case study, 4.1. parameter setting, 4.2. computational performance, 4.3. impact of battery capacity, 4.4. impact of charging speed, 4.5. impact of volume capacity, 4.6. impact of service time limit of transportation task, 5. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Wang, W.; Liu, Y.; Zhen, L.; Wang, H. How to Deploy Electric Ships for Green Shipping. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022 , 10 , 1611. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111611

Wang W, Liu Y, Zhen L, Wang H. How to Deploy Electric Ships for Green Shipping. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering . 2022; 10(11):1611. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111611

Wang, Wei, Yannick Liu, Lu Zhen, and H. Wang. 2022. "How to Deploy Electric Ships for Green Shipping" Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 10, no. 11: 1611. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111611

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Green Shipping Technology and Achieving Carbon-Zero Today (Updated)

By Captain Onur Yildirim, APC Global Marine Manager

Seaborne trade has been the lifeblood of the global economy since the 19th century with the invention of the steamship. 

Free Download: Green Shipping Technology Changing the Industry

Get the PDF version to save to your desktop and read it when it's convenient for you.  (No email required)

However, the shipping industry consumes 300 million tons of fuel every year, releasing around 3 percent of the world’s carbon-dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

The shipping sector recognizes its power to change the impact on the environment and play a leading role. 

At APC, we see customers’ desire to explore green transportation and more people wanting their companies to act responsibly for more significant decarbonization. As an industry leader in marine cargo tank coatings and filling the increased demand for high-performance tank linings, APC also witnesses first-hand the evolution the industry is experiencing and the critical role we play in the maritime value chain.

This article has incorporated several industry developments and discussions from various sources about the value of a green ship and potential strategies to increase energy efficiency and decarbonize global shipping.  With MarineLINE® cargo coating protection , tanks can be cleaned faster and use less fuel for heating, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The shipping industry is dynamic, and the growing demand for tank containers and the urgency to take measures for reducing the carbon footprint is substantial. The increasing standards made by the IMO have triggered research and development of "green" technology for the shipping industry. The shipping industry has to create and apply innovative measures in order to comply with the new regulations.

Let’s get started . . .

• 1 What is Green Shipping/Green Marine?
• 2 Cutting Sulfur Oxide Emissions to Improve Air Quality
• 3 Ballast Water and Steps to Reduce Hazards Associated With It
• 4 19 Green Shipping Solutions to be Compliant 

What is Green Shipping/Green Marine?

The environment must be considered in all the details of shipping, from a build of a new vessel through its decommissioning. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is helping to reduce the impact on the marine industry by regulating exhaust emissions, anti-fouling, ballast water, and more. 

The industry will become more environmentally friendly by regulation. The International Maritime Organization proposed a 2020 Sulfur limit on the exhaust from the stacks of ocean-going ships. The IMO has called for ships to halve their total greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050 .  

Carbon emissions and other gases are caused by the burning of fuels in the environment. A green ship would leave the least amount of carbon emissions. " Green ship " is a name given to any seagoing vessel that contributes towards improving the present environmental condition in some way. Green ship technology adopts procedures to decrease emissions, consume less energy, and be more efficient.

Green Marine , a voluntary environmental certification program for the North American marine industry, addresses key environmental issues in regard to air, land, and water pollution. They offer a plan for maritime companies to reduce their overall environmental footprint.  

Bright Hub Engineering,  Green Ship Design for Ship Building

Green Marine,  Green Marine Environmental Program

Cutting Sulfur Oxide Emissions to Improve Air Quality

The International Maritime Organization is taking action to clean up shipping emissions by reducing the sulfur content in ships' fuel oil. In response, the shipping industry started considering several solutions, including low Sulfur fuel oil (LSFO), marine gas oil (MGO), liquid natural gas (LNG) and even burning the current fuel and having scrubbers on the exhaust stacks.

The IMO required that all fuels used in ships contain no more than 0.50 percent sulfur.

"Public health experts estimate that once the 2020 sulfur cap takes effect, cleaner marine fuels will reduce ship-related premature mortality and morbidity by 34 and 54%, respectively, representing a ~ 2.6% global reduction in particulate matter 2.5 /PM 2.5  cardiovascular and lung cancer deaths and a ~3.6% global reduction in childhood asthma." [ source: Cleaner fuels for ships provide public health benefits with climate tradeoffs ]

As the infographic by the International Maritime Organization illustrates below, there are 5 beneficial changes from IMO's Sulfur Limit for ships' fuel oil . . .

source: IMO International Maritime Organization, 5 Beneficial Changes - Sulfur 2020 - Infographic

According to IMO, five changes for sulfur limit are cleaner air, positive impacts on human health, higher-quality fuels, ship owners and operators adoption, changes to enforcement authorities.

Ballast Water Needed to Reduce Hazards Associated With It

What is Ballast Water?

Ocean-going ships take on ballast water to maintain stability when traveling through water. Ballast tanks provide adequate stability to vessels at sea. It allows vessels to carry a light or heavy load while maintaining ideal buoyancy.

Organisms and pathogens found in ballast water and sediments in ballast tanks have had an economic and ecological impact on marine biodiversity in many regions. The IMO is introducing regulations on several topics to reduce the impact of the marine industry on both the sea and atmosphere, ballast water being one.

The video below gives a quick overview of the ballast water cycle. 

Marine Online, What is Ballast Water , via YouTube . November 24, 2016

What is a Ballast Water Management Plan?

According to Marine Insight . . .

The global community, under the administration of  IMO  has adopted the “ International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 ”. The convention is intended at stopping the introduction of superfluous aquatic organisms and pathogens through the discharge of ballast water and sediments.

• All officers and crew involved in ballast water management to receive proper training
• All ships to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens
• All ships to develop and follow a ballast water management plan
• All ships to record all ballast operations

Seatrade Maritime News recently reported Optimarin—a Norwegian ballast water treatment system (BWTS) manufacturer, launched the first digital system to help ship operators in ballast water management. 

Marine Insight,  Ballast Water Exchange and Management Plan

Seatrade Maritime News,   Optimarin Goes Digital with Ballast Water Treatment

19 Green Shipping Solutions to be Compliant

The shipping industry is responding with strategies to go "green." As IMO 2020 is in effect, shippers have some strategies prepared in order to become compliant.

Some are ready to implement immediately. Other strategies as presented by various industry sources are in the infancy phase. 

Green Shipping Solutions to be Compliant . . .

1. switching to low-sulfur fuel.

The move to lower sulfur content allows for applying advanced emissions control technologies that substantially lower the harmful emissions from diesel combustion. [ source : Ultra-low-sulfur diesel: ULSD]

Marinelog reported that the recent transition to low-sulfur fuels is going "extremely smooth". 

2. Slow Your Ship's Travel Time 

Large ships might burn 280-300 metric tons of high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) a day at high speeds, but only 80-90 metric tons a day at slower speeds.

Slower travel may cut costs and help reduce emissions. [ source : IMO 2020: The Big Shipping Shake-Up]

3. Incorporate a Ballast-Free System

Move towards a ballast-free system. Ballast water brings unwanted species. A ballast-free ship would reduce the potential hauling of contaminated water.

Limiting the amount of ballast taken is the first step in an effective ballast management plan.

4. Use LNG as Marine Fuel 

LNG fuel helps in the reduction of air pollution. A small percentage of cargo ships are expected to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel that has only recently advanced in the marine market.

LNG is now considered a mature alternative fuel option. However, there are many technology choices that need to be made depending on specific vessel design and operational requirements. [source: DNV, LNG as marine fuel )

5. Implement an Exhaust Scrubber System/Sulfur Scrubber System

Some ships limit their air pollutants by installing exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as "scrubbers". This is accepted under the MARPOL Convention as an alternative means to meet the sulfur limit requirement .

The system is geared towards reducing sulfur or capturing sulfur before it escapes through the exhaust funnels. Bloomberg NEF estimates some 4,800 vessels will be scrubber-equipped by 2025. [source: How the Cargo Industry Is Cleaning Up Its Act ] 

We compared differences in a wet scrubber versus a dry scrubber. The choice of scrubber system to be installed on a ship can depend on the space available, area of operation, power of the engine, availability of freshwater, and more.

All types of scrubbers are allowed under IMO rules as long as they achieve the proper level of emissions. 

6. Use Speed Nozzles to Save Fuel

Speed nozzles improve the propulsion efficiency of the ship by saving power. By using speed nozzles, as opposed to traditional methods such as Kort nozzles to power your ship, you are saving fuel by approximately 5% .

7. Apply the Best Anti-Fouling Hull Paint

Anti-fouling paint (bottom paints) helps slow the growth of organisms that attach to the hull. 

The condition of the hull (smooth hull) is essential in fuel efficiency. The speed of a ship decreases as its hull becomes infringed with marine growth. Applying correct  paint at the right hull area can reduce the frictional resistance of the ship resulting in 3-8% of fuel savings .

8. Have a Proper Waste Heat Recovery System

Waste heat recovery systems are becoming more eco-friendly.

They will help reduce fuel consumption by converting the waste heat from the exhaust gases into steam. The steam can be used in other capacities, such as heating cargo area.

9. Use Wind Energy with the Sail and Kite Propulsion System

The sail and kite system will use wind energy to move a ship through the water.

According to Marine Insight , 

" The specific towing kite is made in such a way that it can be raised to its proper elevation and then brought back with the help of a ‘telescopic mast’ that enables the towing kite to be raised properly and effectively."

This will help reduce fuel consumption and decrease NOx, SOx, and CO2 emissions.

10. Exhaust Gas Re-circulation System  

In internal combustion engines,   Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is a nitrogen oxide (NOx)   emissions   reduction technique used in gasoline   and diesel engines. EGR   works by   recirculating   a portion of an engine's   exhaust gas   back to the engine cylinders.

According to EGCSA, 

"A proportion of the exhaust gas from the main engine exhaust receiver is recirculated to the scavenge air via a dedicated closed loop scrubber which removes damaging contaminants (PM, sulfur oxides, etc.)." [ source ]

11. Streaming Underbelly Bubbles

Streaming bubbles out of tiny holes in a ship’s underbelly can help to slice more cleanly through the water. According to Samsung, the technology can cut fuel consumption by 4 or 5 percent .

12. Submarine R obot Cleaners to Improve Fuel Efficiency

Grasses and other organisms grow on the hull of ships. Robot cleaners can strip away debris and improve fuel efficiency. Removing barnacles that attach themselves to the ships' hull can decrease a vessel's fuel consumption by as much as 20 to 40 percent. 

13. B attery Boats

"In Norway, where the government wants two-thirds of all ferries carrying passengers and cars along its Atlantic coast to be electrified by 2030,  Kongsberg Gruppen ASA  is offering battery-powered ship engines and developing a short-haul electric container vessel." [ source ]

14. Rotor Sails to Harness the Wind

A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S is considering using a modern version of the old-fashioned sail to help power its ships.

The sails could potentially replace 20% of the ship’s fossil fuels , according to Norsepower Oy Ltd., which makes them. The spinning cylinders harness wind power to propel a ship.

Norsepower LTD, Norsepower Rotor Sail Solution via YouTube, February 17, 2017

The rotor sails can be used with new vessels or retrofitted to existing ships.

15. Reduce Fuel With More Efficient Steering Gears

According to Biofriendly Planet , there are two types of steering gears that are both eco-friendly and cost-effective: hydraulic and electro-hydraulic gears.

"The steering gears work by developing hydraulic pressure through the use of hydraulic pumps which are mainly driven by electric motors or sometimes through purely mechanical means. This pressure then triggers the necessary rotary movements in the rudder system allowing for a ship to turn safely.  By using one of these two efficient steering gears, you can help reduce your ship’s overall fuel consumption by approximately 4% on any given voyage."

16. Use of Green Hydrogen 

Green hydrogen , an alternative fuel generated with clean energy, has been identified as the  clean energy source  that could help bring the world to net-zero emissions.

Green hydrogen is a fuel that is created using renewable energy. The resulting hydrogen is called green if the electricity is produced by renewable power, such as solar or wind .  Because of this, it has the potential to provide the shipping industry power without emissions.

How is green hydrogen produced? . . . 

Source: Hydro Tasmania, How is green hydrogen produced?  

17. Reduce empty containers

The reduction of empty container movements will reduce fuel consumption, reduce congestion and emissions.

According to ResearchGate . . .

Empty container repositioning (ECR) is one of the most important issues in the liner shipping industry. Not only does it have an economic effect on the stakeholders in the container transport chain, but it also has an environmental and sustainability impact on society since the reduction of empty container movements will reduce fuel consumption, and reduce congestion and emissions. [source: Song, Dong-Ping & Dong, Jing-Xin. (2015). Empty Container Repositioning . 10.1007/978-3-319-11891-8_6.]

18. Sandwich plate system (SPS)

Structural maintenance programs are increasing and require an innovative approach.  SPS is a process of composting two metals plates by bonding them with polyurethane elastomer core. The elastomer provides continuous support to the plates. This stops plate buckling and eliminates the need for stiffeners.

SPS Overlay is the "marine repair application of SPS technology that delivers a fast, non-disruptive and economical steel reinstatement and strengthening solution."

Th is process is beneficial to vessel crack repair to help save on cost, time, environment, and safety. SPS has a low carbon footprint.

Ian Nash, Leo Maritime, and SPS Technology, Structural composites for vessel crack repair

SRS, Ship Repairers & Shipbuilders LTD

19. Use Cargo Tank Coating with Improved Cleaning Capability 

Using the right cargo tank coating in a chemical tanker can positively impact a green ship from APC's perspective. APC's MarineLINE® cargo coating produces an ultra-smooth surface so tanks can be cleaned faster and use less fuel for heating, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Closing Thoughts

The IMO 2020 emissions standards are here. They are designed to protect the environment and curb pollution produced by the shipping industry. The demand for IMO-compliant products will continue to rise. Ships owners can reduce their sulfur emissions by implementing "green" strategies today and moving forward.

The ability to move swiftly between various cargoes is also important. Selecting the right coating extends the range of cargoes, reduces the time needed to switch them, and delivers the highest return on investment (ROI).  As a quality, premier   coatings solutions provider ,   we provide innovative, value-added coatings for the protection of your assets.

Captain Onur Yildirim, APC Global Marine Manager

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• Feb 23, 2023

Green Shipping: What it is & Why is it important

Updated: Jul 5

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Since the steamship was first invented in the 19th century, seaborne trade has been the foundation of the worldwide economy. Nowadays, 90% of global trade is transported by sea . Despite it being largely overlooked by most civilians, it is our society’s lifeblood.

However, the shipping industry can present environmental liabilities as it consumes 300 million tons of fuel annually . Nearly 3% of global CO2 emissions come from this industry alone. Compared to road transportation’s whopping 17% , this might seem like a smaller number.

Still, there are ways to further reduce the shipping sector’s impact. Climate change is in full effect, and every single action from individuals, corporations, organizations, and governments matters.

The good news is that the shipping sector is aware of its ability to change its impact on the environment, and they’re more than willing to take the lead. In fact, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to cut the sector's overall greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050 .

Enter green shipping.

What Is Green Shipping?

Green shipping advocates using more environmentally friendly methods to enforce emission control and contribute to more effective voyage planning , port management, and equipment management.

The shipping industry as a whole—including the regulators, port authorities, and communities—must put up a tremendous amount of effort to move this forward.

Today, the phrase " green shipping " is often used as a blanket term to refer to the transition shipping businesses are making towards environmentally friendly and sustainable methods.

It may sound like a marketing tool to attract customers, but it truly is more than that. Green shipping is important because it

Reduces shipping inefficiencies through logistical and operational streamlining

Improves fuel efficiency per trip per transport

Gives businesses a selection of methods that generate fewer carbon emissions

Uses alternative fuels and energy sources for transportation

Uses recommended driving best practices for fuel efficiency, etc.

What Are The Green Solutions Implemented By Shipping Companies Nowadays?

Some strategies shipping companies are currently using to successfully attain their sustainability goals and contribute to fighting climate change are:

1. Environmentally-Safe Ports

Around the world, several ports are taking steps to adopt green technologies, improve sustainability, and lower their carbon footprint. Progressive container terminals are taking the lead when it comes to environmental stewardship by reducing the release of effluents, pollutants, and trash while conserving resources like water and energy.

Some other initiatives shipping companies have implemented to achieve carbon neutrality include adopting hybrid technology and switching to rubber tyred gantry cranes. Another notable development is the reduction, reuse, and recycling of the resources used in terminal operations.

2. Improvements To Fuel Oil

For more than half a century now, the majority of the marine industry's seagoing vessels have been powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO) .

This kind of gasoline is readily available and affordable, but it's also quite "dirty" because it contains a lot of sulfur and other contaminants. However, as a result of laws put in place by the IMO, owners and operators of the global commercial marine fleet are now required to switch to gasoline or alternative fuel with a far reduced sulfur content.

One of these is liquefied natural gas or LNG. Using it as a fuel will significantly lower SOx and NOx and reduce CO2 by 20% . Green hydrogen is also an alternative fuel, as it uses hydro and wind to create clean, renewable energy.

3. Fuel Optimization Systems

Another welcome addition to the maritime industry’s growing list of remarkable solutions is sophisticated fuel optimization systems .

These systems are designed to collect data from numerous sensors on the ship as well as from embedded trackers and satellites. They can then analyze the data and make recommendations regarding optimal economy, thereby reducing fuel usage.

4. Eco-Friendly Shipping Technologies

More and more innovative green technologies have been created in the hopes of significantly minimizing any negative effects the shipping industry may have on the environment at large.

These include much more efficient engines and better water cooling systems that will significantly reduce a ship’s impact on the environment. Additionally, shipbuilders are now outfitting vessels with integrated solar panels that would save a significant amount of fuel and thereby minimize harmful emissions.

Furthermore, innovative propellers have the capacity to save a significant amount of fuel. The speed injector is another revolutionary innovation that increases efficiency at greater speeds.

5. Ballast Water Management

When carrying no cargo, large container ships use water as ballast to maintain their stability. It lessens stress on the hull, stabilizes the ship, aids in maneuvering, and enhances propulsion. The water pushed into the ballast serves the ship in many ways, but it also becomes a habitat for bacteria, germs, larvae, cysts, and other species.

When cargo is put into a ship, the water is drained out at the port, and the newly bred organisms enter the aquatic ecosystem as aliens, infecting it and posing risks.

The International Ballast Water Convention finally persuaded the IMO to regulate ballast water management after years of lobbying. As of September 2017, this applies to all ships, wherever they are in the world.

To adhere to the IMO's green shipping plan, Maersk selected Wärtsilä's Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) for three brand-new, 50,000 DWT tankers that were constructed in China. Using BWMS, the water is first filtered to remove silt and microorganisms. Then, it uses medium-pressure UV lamps or hypochlorite to disinfect it.

6. Reduce Empty Containers

In the shipping industry, it’s a known fact that every third container is transported empty. The thing is that this costs the shipping industry an annual loss of nearly $20 billion due to storage fees, handling fees, and low utilization charges.

With at least 6.4 million TEUs relocated per year, this amounts to 12,243,200 kg of CO2 solely in empty containers. While internal corporate inefficiencies account for 1/3 of the issue, trade imbalances account for 2/3 of it.

Enter companies like Container xChange . They connect 300+ container owners and users to avoid empty container moves. Carriers work together with other businesses, share their containers with them, and move them from surplus to deficit locations.

Moving Toward A More Sustainable Shipping Future

In an effort to offer their customers the most environmentally friendly shipping alternatives possible and comply with the IMO’s goals, shipping companies are making every effort to switch to green shipping techniques.

With the right methods and technologies, companies can ensure that their shipping operations are as effective as possible and minimize their environmental impacts.

For more insightful articles about sustainability, check out SDG Monitor’s blog !

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